Gas generant compositions

ABSTRACT

A novel compound, used for example, as a gas generating fuel, is defined as a compound having the structural formula of R 3 -R 1 -R 2 , wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring. A method of making the compound is also provided. A gas generating composition containing the novel compound as a fuel, and an oxidizer is also provided. The novel compound is contained within a gas generant composition, within a gas generator. The gas generator may be contained within a gas generating system such as an airbag inflator or seat belt assembly, or more broadly within a vehicle occupant protection system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/798,206 filed on May 5, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to gas generating systems, and to gas generating compositions employed in gas generator devices for automotive restraint systems, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gas generant compositions that upon combustion produce a relatively smaller amount of solids and a relatively abundant amount of gas. It is an ongoing challenge to reduce the amount of solids and increase the amount of gas thereby decreasing the filtration requirements for an inflator. As a result, the filter may be either reduced in size or eliminated altogether thereby reducing the weight and/or size of the inflator. Additionally, reduction of combustion solids provides relatively greater amounts of gaseous products per gram or unit of gas generating composition. Accordingly, less gas generant is required when greater mols of gas are produced per gram of gas generant. The result is typically a smaller and less expensive inflator due to reduced manufacturing complexity.

Yet another concern is that the compositions must exhibit burn rates that are satisfactory with regard to use in vehicle occupant protection systems. In particular, compositions containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate may exhibit relatively lower burn rates requiring various measures to improve the burn rate. Accordingly, the development of energetic fuels is one ongoing research emphasis whereby the less aggressive burn characteristics of preferred oxidizers such as phase stabilized ammonium nitrate are accommodated and compensated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-referenced concerns are resolved by gas generators or gas generating systems containing novel fuel constituents within novel gas generant compositions. Novel fuel constituents or compounds may be defined as a molecule having the structural formula of R₃-R₁-R₂, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring.

An optional second fuel may be selected from tetrazoles and salts thereof, triazoles and salts thereof, azoles and salts thereof, guanidines and salts thereof, guanidine derivatives, amides, and mixtures thereof. An oxidizer is selected from metal and nonmetal nitrates, nitrites, chlorates, perchlorates, oxides, other known oxidizers, and mixtures thereof.

In further accordance with the present invention, a gas generator or gas generating system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the gas generant composition are also included.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing the general structure of an inflator in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary vehicle occupant restraint system containing a gas generant composition in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a novel method of forming a nitrogen-containing compound, useful as a fuel within a gas generant system, for example. The method may be described by the following steps:

-   -   1. Providing a sufficient amount of water within a reaction         vessel for full mixing/solubilizing, for mixing of the         ingredients described below. Then providing a predetermined         molar amount of a dicyano Nitrobenzene compound in the reaction         vessel and mix the contents.     -   2. Providing a molar amount of zinc bromide, equivalent to that         of dicyano Nitrobenzene, within the reaction vessel and         continuing to mix.     -   3. Providing, a molar amount of sodium azide, about two to three         times that of dicyano Nitrobenzene, to the reaction vessel and         continuing to mix.     -   4. Mixing the contents of the vessel, and refluxing the mixture         for about 36 hours.     -   5. The solution was cooled to room temperature, and acidified by         the addition of 3N hydrochloric acid to yield a white solid.     -   6. The final nitrogen-containing compound, as confirmed by IR         and DSC, may be defined as a molecule having the structural         formula of R₃-R₁-R₂, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro         substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the         benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to         the benzene ring.

Reactions I and II as given below illustrate the formation of two varieties of the fuel. It will be appreciated that steps 1-3 may all be done concurrently, and therefore the present invention contemplates a one-step reaction that simplifies the manufacturing of the fuel thereby reducing the associated complexity and cost.

The following examples exemplify reactions in accordance with the present invention.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of 2,3-Bis (tetrazolo) Nitro Benzene.

2,3-dicyano Nitrobenzene (at about 1 g, or about 5.776 mmol), Sodium azide (at about 0.938 g, or about 14.44 mmol) and Zinc Bromide (at about 1.5133 g, or about 5.776 mmol) were mixed in 30 mL of water, and the mixture allowed to reflux for 36 hrs.

The reaction cooled to room temperature, and the reaction mixture was acidified by 3N HCl to yield a white solid. The solid was filtered, and then dried at 105° C. As indicated below, the reaction product structure was confirmed by IR and DSC. The reaction product exhibited relatively high energy and good burn rates in excess of 0.4 inches per second, when evaluated as known in the art.

Infrared (IR) Data indicated 1539 cm⁻¹ for ring tetrazole, 1345 cm⁻¹ for NO₂, 2600-2800 cm⁻¹ for CH₂ and 3100 cm⁻¹ for N—H stretching, thereby confirming the reaction product structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) evaluations indicated a sharp exotherm at 244° C.

Experimental Procedure for the Synthesis of 3,4-Bis (Tetrazolo)Nitro Benzene.

3,4-dicyano Nitrobenzene (at about 1 g, or about 5.776 mmol), Sodium azide (at about 0.938 g, or about 14.44 mmol) and Zinc Bromide (at about 1.5133 g, or about 5.776 mmol) were mixed in 30 mL of water, and the mixture allowed to reflux for 36 hrs.

The reaction cooled to room temperature, and the reaction mixture was acidified by 3N HCl to yield a white solid. The solid was filtered, and then dried at 105° C. As indicated below, the reaction product structure was confirmed by IR and DSC. The reaction product exhibited relatively high energy and good burn rates in excess of 0.4 inches per second, when evaluated as known in the art.

Infrared (IR) data indicated 1529 cm⁻¹ for ring tetrazole, 1346 cm⁻¹ for NO₂, 2600-2800 cm⁻¹ for CH₂ and 3100 cm⁻¹ for N—H stretching. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) evaluations indicated a sharp melting point at 209° C. that was followed by a relatively large exotherm at 215° C.

Each fuel is nitrogen-rich, thereby maximizing the non-metal constituents of the total gas generant composition.

Accordingly, the present invention includes gas generant compositions containing a high-energy, nitrogen-rich fuel defined as a compound having the structural formula of R₃-R₁-R₂, wherein R₁ is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R₂ is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring. The fuel is provided at about 5-50 wt % and more preferably at about 15-30 wt %, of the gas generant composition.

Optional secondary fuels include tetrazoles such as 5-aminotetrazole; metal salts of azoles such as potassium 5-aminotetrazole; nonmetal salts of azoles such as diammonium salt of 5,5′-bis-1H-tetrazole: nitrate salts of azoles such as 5-aminotetrazole; nitramine derivatives of azoles such as 5-aminotetrazole; metal salts of nitramine derivatives of azoles such as dipotassium 5-aminotetrazole; metal salts of nitramine derivatives of azoles such as dipotassium 5-aminotetrazole; nonmetal salts of nitramine derivatives of azoles such as monoammonium 5-aminotetrazole and; guanidiness such as dicyandiamide; salts of guanidines such as guanidine nitrate; nitro derivatives of guanidines such as nitroguanidine; azoamides such as azodicarbonamide; nitrate salts of azoamides such as azodicarbonamidine dinitrate; and mixtures thereof. The secondary fuel can be used within this system as co-fuels to the primary fuel. If used, the secondary fuel when combined with the primary fuel constitutes about 5-50 wt % of the gas generant composition. By itself, the secondary fuel constitutes 0-45 wt %, and more preferably about 15-30 wt % when used.

An oxidizer component is selected from at least one exemplary oxidizer selected from basic metal nitrates, and, metal and nonmetal nitrates, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrites, oxides, and peroxides such as basic copper (II) nitrate, strontium nitrate, potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite, iron oxide, and copper oxide. Other oxidizers as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art may also be employed. The oxidizer is generally provided at about 50-95 wt % of the gas generant composition.

Processing aids such as filmed silica, boron nitride, and graphite may also be employed. Accordingly, the gas generant may be safely compressed into tablets, or slugged and then granulated. The processing aid is generally provided at about 0-15 wt %, and more preferably at about 0-5 wt %.

Slag formers may also be provided and are selected from silicon compounds such as elemental silicone; silicon dioxide; silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane; silicates such as potassium silicates; natural minerals such as talc and clay, and other known slag formers. The slag former is typically provided at about 0-10 wt %, and more preferably at about 0-5 wt %.

The compositions of the present invention are formed from constituents as provided by known suppliers such as Aldrich or Fisher Chemical companies. The compositions may be provided in granulated form and dry-mixed and compacted in a known manner, or otherwise mixed as known in the art. The compositions may be employed in gas generators typically found in airbag devices or occupant protection systems, or in safety belt devices, or in gas generating systems such as a vehicle occupant protection system, all manufactured as known in the art, or as appreciated by one of ordinary skill.

As shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary inflator or gas generating system 10 incorporates a dual chamber design to tailor containing a primary gas generating composition 12 formed as described herein, may be manufactured as known in the art. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,422,601, 6,805,377, 6,659,500, 6,749,219, and 6,752,421 exemplify typical airbag inflator designs and are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the exemplary inflator or gas generating system 10 described above may also be incorporated into an airbag system 200. Airbag system 200 includes at least one airbag 202 and an inflator 10 containing a gas generant composition 12 in accordance with the present invention, coupled to airbag 202 so as to enable fluid communication with an interior of the airbag. Airbag system 200 may also include (or be in communication with) a crash event sensor 210. Crash event sensor 210 includes a known crash sensor algorithm that signals actuation of airbag system 200 via, for example, activation of airbag inflator 10 in the event of a collision.

Referring again to FIG. 2, airbag system 200 may also be incorporated into a broader, more comprehensive vehicle occupant restraint system 180 including additional elements such as a safety belt assembly 150. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of one exemplary embodiment of such a restraint system. Safety belt assembly 150 includes a safety belt housing 152 and a safety belt 100 extending from housing 152. A safety belt retractor mechanism 154 (for example, a spring-loaded mechanism) may be coupled to an end portion of the belt. In addition, a safety belt pretensioner 156 containing gas generating/auto ignition composition 12 may be coupled to belt retractor mechanism 154 to actuate the retractor mechanism in the event of a collision. Typical seat belt retractor mechanisms which may be used in conjunction with the safety belt embodiments of the present invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,743,480, 5,553,803, 5,667,161, 5,451,008, 4,558,832 and 4,597,546, incorporated herein by reference. Illustrative examples of typical pretensioners with which the safety belt embodiments of the present invention may be combined are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,505,790 and 6,419,177 , incorporated herein by reference.

Safety belt assembly 150 may also include (or be in communication with) a crash event sensor 158 (for example, an inertia sensor or an accelerometer) including a known crash sensor algorithm that signals actuation of belt pretensioner 156 via, for example, activation of a pyrotechnic igniter (not shown) incorporated into the pretensioner. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,505,790 and 6,419,177, previously incorporated herein by reference, provide illustrative examples of pretensioners actuated in such a manner.

It should be appreciated that safety belt assembly 150, airbag system 200, and more broadly, vehicle occupant protection system 180 exemplify but do not limit gas generating systems contemplated in accordance with the present invention.

It should further be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of various embodiments of this invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The preceding description, therefore, is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A compound defined as having the structural formula of R₃-R₁-R₂, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein said compound is 2,3-Bis (tetrazolo) Nitro benzene.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein said compound is 3,4-Bis (tetrazolo) Nitro benzene.
 4. A composition comprising: a first fuel defined as having the structural formula of R₃-R₁-R₂, wherein R1 is a benzene ring with nitro substitution, R2 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, and R3 is a tetrazolyl group with a C—C bond to the benzene ring, said fuel provided at about 5-95 weight percent; an oxidizer selected from basic metal nitrates, and, metal and nonmetal nitrates, chlorates, perchlorates, nitrites, oxides, and peroxides, said oxidizer provided at about 5-95 weight percent.
 5. The composition of claim 4 further comprising: a second fuel selected from carboxylic acids; amino acids; tetrazoles; triazoles; guanidines; azoamides; metal and nonmetal salts thereof; and mixtures thereof, said second fuel provided at about 0.1-30 percent.
 6. A gas generating system containing the compound of claim
 1. 7. A vehicle occupant protection system containing the compound
 1. 8. A gas generating system containing the composition of claim
 4. 9. A vehicle occupant protection system containing the composition of claim
 4. 10. A composition containing the compound of claim
 1. 11. A method of forming a compound comprising the steps of: providing a sufficient amount of water within a reaction vessel for full mixing/solubilizing, for mixing of the ingredients described below. Then providing a predetermined molar amount of a dicyano Nitrobenzene compound in the reaction vessel and mix the contents; providing a molar amount of zinc bromide, equivalent to that of dicyano Nitrobenzene, within the reaction vessel and continuing to mix; providing, a molar amount of sodium azide, about two to three times that of dicyano Nitrobenzene, to the reaction vessel and continuing to mix; mixing the contents of the vessel to create a solution, and refluxing; and acidifying the solution to form a compound.
 12. The compound formed by the method of claim
 11. 13. A gas generant composition containing the compound formed by the method of claim
 11. 14. A gas generating system containing the compound formed by the method of claim
 11. 15. A vehicle occupant protection system containing the compound formed by the method of claim
 11. 